Touch A Heart Results 2026
For more than a decade, the Touch A Heart Initiative has connected communities through simple acts of kindness. In 2026, the program marked another milestone year, collecting nearly 8,000 handmade Valentine’s Day cards from creative contributors across the country.
After its 13th year, the annual initiative continues to grow beyond Pennsylvania’s borders. This year, 17 listed contributors were from out of state, with valentines arriving from Georgia, Minnesota, Texas, Utah, Arizona, California and Massachusetts. Each card, uniquely designed and thoughtfully written, carried messages of encouragement, appreciation and love.
Local schools, libraries, colleges and community groups once again played a major role in the effort. Among the notable contributors were Ephrata Middle School/Intermediate School Leo Club, Women's Club of Ephrata, Terre Hill Senior Connections, Lebanon Valley College, St Lukes UCC Card Ministry, Susquenita Elementary School, Ephrata Public Library, Fulton Elementary School and Adamstown Public Library. Together, these organizations mobilized students, members and volunteers to create thousands of colorful, heartfelt valentines.
With the support of the Blue Ridge Public Relations and Public Affairs team, the cards were distributed to 65 organizations throughout Pennsylvania, reaching veterans, healthcare workers, seniors, hospice patients and first responders.
Recipients say the impact was immediate and meaningful.
“At Luther Acres, the cards not only put smiles on the residents’ faces, but they brought the card they received to dinner that night to show their tablemates and friends,” said Diane Francis, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Luther Acres. “On behalf of all the residents residing in Personal Care at Luther Acres, thank you.”
Healthcare providers also expressed gratitude for the continued outreach.
“We loved the cards,” said Jessi Dreibelbis, Volunteer Coordinator with WellSpan Health. “We all commented on how creative the children were writing these cards. The nurses were very appreciative and said last year they were a hit with staff and patients and were excited that they were doing it again.”
At Hospice & Community Care, the cards were distributed across multiple locations, including Lancaster, York and Harrisburg.
“I just wanted to thank the Blue Ridge team for leading the initiative through your Touch a Heart program to deliver personal, handmade Valentine’s Day cards for the patients we are privileged to care for,” said Jen Horan, Director of Volunteer Services. “I’m certain these cards have provided a lot of joy and brought smiles to many faces. We are so grateful to all of you at Blue Ridge for mobilizing local community members and youth to help spread messages of love, joy and hope to our patients.”
Additional receiving organizations included the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at Fort Indiantown Gap, Duncannon VFW 255, American Legion 430, Keystone Villa at Ephrata, WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, Pleasant View Retirement Community, Creekside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Palmerton Police Department, Maple Shade Meadows Senior Living and Carbon County Veterans Affairs, along with dozens of other community organizations across the state.
With nearly 8,000 cards delivered and 65 organizations served, the message remains simple but powerful: kindness makes a difference. Plans are already underway for next year’s initiative, continuing a tradition that has touched hearts for more than a decade. Thank you for TOUCHING A HEART with us!
Be sure to check out this wonderful video created in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs highlighting the impact of this year’s initiative:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AUBaooUu7/
